Perhaps one of the greatest things about 4-H is that there is always something to look forward to: 4-H Embryology, Summer camp, Presentations, Horse Shows, State Fair Exhibits. This year we have been looking forward to our first 4-H Dairy Project. We’ve done livestock shows, and chicken shows, and rabbit shows. However, we haven’t had the opportunity to have a dairy show until now.

Our First 4-H Dairy Project Begins

Our 4-H Dairy Project started Monday. For the next eight weeks our 4-Hers will be able to have hands on experience with six dairy calves.

Skills Youth Will Learn

They will be responsible for feeding, cleaning, and training the calves. They will learn about the proper way to show a dairy cow, what are breed standards and desirable traits in dairy calves. They will also gain skills in showmanship, show grooming, and how to keep project record books.

Dairy Show at the End of the Project

At the end of our Dairy project the youth will participate in a dairy cow show. They will use all the knowledge they gained to show off their calf to its best advantage. Further they will exhibit how much they have worked with their calf, and all of the knowledge they have gained about dairy cows. We are very excited to watch our 4-Hers learn and grow over the next eight weeks!

Coastal Plains Chicken Project Underway

Our Dairy project isn’t the only thing we’re excited about this spring. Our 4-Hers have started their Coastal Plains Chicken Project.

Preparing for the Chicken Show

Youth work with their chicks so that on the day of the show, their chicken is calm and easily handled. A chicken should be carried with the arm beneath the chicken so that the chicken’s head is tucked into the crook of the arm. The chicken will also be put through several different poses during the show to exhibit the chicken’s wingspan, keel, feet and tail. The tail will also have to be flexed up and down in order to show off its carriage. It is very important for the bird to remain calm throughout these various poses. We are looking forward to seeing all the hard work of these youth come to fruition at the Coastal Plains Chicken Show in May.

Additional Spring 4-H Programs

We also are halfway through our Spring 4-H Programs: Chopped International, Sew Much Fun, and It’s Electric.

Looking Ahead to 4-H Summer Fun

We are also very excited for our 4-H Summer Fun. Among our programs is 4-H Book Explorers at the Pamlico County Library, 4-H Electric Congress and 4-H Sleep away Camp.

4-H Sleep Away Camp Builds Life Skills

4-H Sleep away camp is a wonderful opportunity to develop life skills. They will spend a week kayaking, swimming, hiking, navigating ropes courses, and making crafts. While they are enjoying all of those activities they will be developing problem solving skills, growing in communication, and interpersonal skills. Further participating in 4-H sleep away camp has shown to have a positive impact on youths’ feelings of connection and belonging that many campers feel.

How to Get Involved

If you would like a little more information, or have questions about registration please give us a call. You can also sign up for our email list! You can also get a head start on registration for specific programs by enrolling in Pamlico County 4-H Online.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about accessing 4-H Online or the enrollment process please give us a call and we will be happy to walk you through it. To learn more about all 4-H programs in Pamlico County contact Kait Neeland at (252) 745-4121, or kait_neeland@ncsu.edu, or check us out online at pamlico.ces.ncsu.edu. Don’t FORGET to REGISTER, spaces will fill up!!